An orange air quality warning has been issued by the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) for parts of B.C., which means that there’s a very high health risk for people in the impacted areas.
According to MVRD, the following areas are under the warning:
- Chilliwack
- Agassiz
- Hope
The cause of the warning is smoke from wildfires, including the fires that are burning in South Cariboo, “and the complex wildfires near Boston Bar.”
MVRD says there’s elevated fine particulate matter and that conditions may last until there is a significant change in the weather.
While parts of B.C. have been hit with air quality warnings in recent weeks, this is the first time recently that there’s been an orange warning near Metro Vancouver.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has also shared some information about the warning, as well as advice to residents on how to respond to the poor conditions and health risks. ECCC says it doesn’t matter how old you are.
“Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,” ECCC said. “During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.”
ECCC says residents should limit their outdoor time and reschedule or outright cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.
“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance,” ECCC says.
ECCC also says that if you’re indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
“When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.”
For folks in Chilliwack and the surrounding area, keeping doors and windows closed may be difficult, considering humidex values are over 30˚C.
Thankfully, there looks to be some reprieve in the forecast, with the potential for rain tonight, Friday, and early next week.
MVRD says to check in on others who might be more affected, like those with lung, heart, or other chronic conditions, and pregnant people, infants, children, older adults, and outdoor workers.